Credentials Evaluation

International Student Applications Effective February 27, 2008

International students can send a copy of their transcript(s) directly to Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) www.foreigncredentials.org along with the application. A detailed evaluation of coursework is required in order to process your application for admission consideration.

The student must bring the original copy of the transcript to the Office of Graduate Studies and a copy will be placed in the student’s file.

Students may send copies of their transcript(s) directly to FCSA. The student must bring the original transcript to the Office of Graduate Studies and a copy will be made to be placed in the student’s file.

Official Transcripts must be submitted before the following deadlines:

Deadlines to submit original transcripts:

Admitted for Fall October 15th

Admitted for Spring March 1st

Admitted for Summer 1 July 8th

Deadlines to submit original transcripts (with degree conferred):

Students graduating in Fall March 1st

Students graduating in Spring July 8th

Students graduating in Summer 1 August 24th

Students graduating in Summer 2 October 15th

Students not complying with this requirement will not be able to register for future semesters.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or if we can help you with your application.

Frequently asked Questions

I am not considered an international student yet my transcripts are not from the US. Do I need a foreign credential evaluation?
Yes, domestic applicants who attended foreign universities should evaluate their transcripts through FCSA.

I am a domestic applicant; do I need to take the TOEFL?
If your transcripts are not from the US, please review the TOEFL section to check if you will need the exam. Depending on the country you may or may not need to take it.

Do I need to submit an FCSA evaluation for my foreign undergraduate degree if I have a master's degree from an accredited U.S. university?
If an applicant obtained a master's degree from an accredited U.S. university, the FCSA evaluation will not be required for his/her foreign undergraduate degree. However, English translation will be required for the undergraduate transcripts.

The FCSA website lists different options for evaluation. Should I choose the General Evaluation or the Detailed Evaluation?
A Detailed Evaluation of Coursework is needed for all transcripts from foreign universities.

International Students from which universities are not required to send transcripts to FCSA?
Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM)
Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)
Universidad de las Américas

Does the Indian 15-year Degree plan meet the requirements for a Master's degree?
According to Foreign Credential Services of America, depending on the undergraduate University and the degree conferred it might be sufficient. Note: This depends on the evaluation by Foreign Credential Services of America.

Do I need to send original transcripts to Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA)?
Not anymore. You may send copies of your transcripts to FCSA. Then you must bring the original copy of the transcript to the Office of Graduate Studies and a copy will be made to be placed in the student’s file. This can be done at any point after the application is submitted or during the student’s first semester, but must be done before the student registers for the second semester.

What documents do I have to submit to FCSA?
To complete an academic credentials evaluation, you must submit:
1. Completed FCSA application
2. Photocopies of your academic documents
3. Certified translations of the academic documents if they are not in English
Note: All translations must be certified unless the native language is Spanish, in which case it does not need to be a certified translation.
4. Payment—check, money order or credit/debit card (information to be entered on “Payment” section of the application).

Can I submit those online?
You may send the documents electronically via fax or scanned email attachments.
If you have questions about FCSA please contact: